In that game, the Red Sox blew a three-run lead to lose 9-6 to the Yankees.

Ortiz also thought the incident may have woken up their rivals from New York.

"I didn't like it. I don't think it was the right thing to do. But we don't all think alike, and the guy who did it, Dempster, is a great guy. It's not that I didn't think it was right because Alex and I are friends, because once you cross the white lines, everyone's on their own.

"But we've got Tampa right on our heels, and that pitch woke up a monster in the Yankees' team at the moment. You saw how the game ended up. CC (Sabathia) was throwing 91 (mph) and started throwing 96. Alex later hit one way out there. You're talking about a good team that you can't wake up. But we learn from our mistakes."

Ortiz stating that he and Rodriguez are friends seems to be verified by the fact that they left Fenway Park together after the game, per NESN.com's Alison Smith.

"I always put my team first. I was throwing the ball really well until that sixth inning and gave us a chance to win, and I just didn't complete my job. If I would have done a better job, I think it would have been a non-issue."